This site aims to inform and mobilize Beverly parents to take an active role in all issues related to the funding and operation of the city's schools. It was launched in the spring of 2008, when the city saw its first-ever override attempt fail, followed by the closure of a nearly-new elementary school. Subsequent years have seen further cuts that have led to larger class sizes across the district. While the opening of an impressive new high school and plans to replace the city's aging middle school give us reason to be optimistic, the school community must be ever vigilant in demanding appropriate school funding by city and state governments, and better community communications from the district and School Committee.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Dr. Jim Hayes, who ends his tenure as Beverly School Superintendent on Friday has posted his farewell letter on the district website. The letter, titled "Thank you, Beverly" reads as follows:

As I finish my last days as Superintendent of Schools in Beverly, I want to tell you how wonderful it has been to work on behalf of children in this City! I have worked eleven years in Beverly, five as Assistant Superintendent and six as Superintendent! These have been the best years of my career!

People have been asking me what I am most proud of as a look back over my time as Superintendent. There are many things that make me proud, but most of all I am proud that we have a terrific school system despite the limited resources which plague local communities and especially education. Our school system is very progressive when it comes to teaching and learning. We do great things for kids in so many ways!

This success is a credit to everyone involved. The teachers, administrators, and support staff continually strive to improve so that students can achieve at higher levels and so that schools can be positive places. You have been true professionals! To run a good system, it also takes the dedication of every employee, and I am so impressed by the caring, hard-working people that add the personal touch to make us a better place for kids. I am talking about the folks who drive and monitor our buses, help our kids cross busy streets, work in our offices, serve meals to our students, and keep our buildings clean and well-maintained. I have appreciated so very much that everyone has worked together with a firm commitment to doing what is best for kids!

In Beverly, the business community is always there to provide support. And the parent support in Beverly is exceptional! How could we do it all without you! I have been fortunate over the years to work with excellent School Committees too. I know I can count on all of you to continue the meet the challenge - to hold education as a top priority and do your best for all kids! They are our most important resource! Education should not be seen as an expense; it is an investment! As the saying goes, yes, it costs a lot to educate a child, but it costs even more if we don't!

To work in a community such as this with such wonderful people, this is why I say that I am blessed! I will truly miss Beverly and truly miss all of you! Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and work with you!

We would also like to thank Jim for his service to Beverly. Its been a rocky time fiscally for the schools during much of his tenure, and there have certainly been some decisions with which many of us disagreed. But we never doubted Jim's commitment to the kids of Beverly, or his desire to provide the best possible education. It is unfortunate that so much of his time had to be spent looking for ways to mitigate the effects of continually dwindling resources.

The new high school may prove to be Jim's greatest legacy in Beverly. He took great pride in his role in the design and construction of the building, a role that took considerable time away from the already demanding job of Superintendent. Jim says he looks forward to being on-hand for the dedication of the building next winter.

Hayes has also given a final interview the the Beverly Citizen, but if you'd like to read it, you'll have to pick up a copy of this week's newspaper. The Citizen has decided to run most stories only in the print edition, so we will no longer be able to link to them.